Thursday, December 19, 2013

Meeting Recap: December 16, 2013

Note: Items of discussion in this recap includes a link indexed to that portion of the City Council meeting replay. Click on bold headers that are linked to view that portion of the video.

(STILLWATER, OKLA. / Posted Dec. 19, 2013) - The Stillwater City Council met for its regular meeting Monday, Dec. 16, 2013. (View the meeting agenda here)

Note: Vice Mayor Chuck Hopkins was not present at the Council meeting due to illness.

Pledge of Allegiance
a. Presented by Sangre Ridge Elementary student Jamison Talley

View Photos 

Proclamation & Presentations
a. Fire Captain Robert S. Sodowsky 

Consent Docket
a. Approval of minutes: Regular meeting, Dec. 2 2013.
b. Upgrade of existing citywide software system through a contract with Sungard Public Sector Inc. (CC-13-108).
c. Budget amendment to transfer $60,000 out of general fund to Stillwater Economic Development Authority for the branding contract if authorized by SEDA trustees.

Council approved Consent Docket 4-0.

Public Hearings
a. Receive public comment regarding a proposed Text Amendment to Chapter 23, Land Development Code, Industrial District Uses & Definitions (CC-13-106).

Development Services Director Paula Dennison presented the proposed text amendment. Dennison said after looking over the Land Development Code and in speaking with the Stillwater Industrial Foundation the department found the need for clarification between light industrial uses and general industrial uses and to expand some of the uses allowed in those districts to encourage industries to develop there. Dennison said the proposed change would not cause a safety concern and would encourage development and job growth. There would be a need for additional use classifications and the changes would allow for complimentary uses between the districts. 

Planning Commission recommended the Council approve the text amendment as presented.

Council approved Planning Commission recommendation 4-0. 

General Orders
a. Project resolution regarding a local project agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to widen and improve Perkins Road from McElroy Road to Lakeview Road (CC-13-105) (Resolution No. CC-2013-23).

Transportation Department Manager Jason Peek presented the project resolution to the Council. Peek said ODOT has included the project in its eight-year work plan and the agreement would obligate the City to be responsible for design, right-of-way and utility relocation and would obligate ODOT to all of the construction cost.


b. Project resolution regarding a local project agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to modify and reconstruct the intersection of SH-51 and Country Club Road and appropriation of funds totaling $1,401,102 to ODOT for the City's portion of widening and improvement project.

Peek said this projection resolution is a joint project between the City of Stillwater and Payne County to widen Country Club Road. The City would be responsible to widen the road from Sixth Avenue to the northern City limits and then the county would widen it from McElroy Avenue to Lakeview Avenue as part of the first phase of the project. The county will also replace the bridge within the section. The joint project would allow ODOT to have principle management of its construction and the City would be responsible for pay for its portion of the construction cost for the roadway and the waterline relocation within City limits. ODOT will award it to a contractor in February 2014. It is estimated the City portion of the project will be completed by Fall 2014 within the contract dates.

City Manager Dan Galloway reminded the Council that the funding for this project was part of the residual funds collected through the Half-Penny Transportation Sales Tax.

Resolutions
a. Resolution No. CC-2013-22: A resolution authorizing the mayor of the City of Stillwater, Okla., a municipal corporation, to sign and issue an election proclamation calling for a primary and general election in the City of Stillwater.

Council approved 4-0.


b. Resolution No. CC-2013-23: A resolution authorizing execution of a certain project agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to widen and resurface US-177 from McElroy Road extending north one (1) mile to Lakeview Road within the city limits of Stillwater, Okla. (CC-13-105).

Council approved 4-0.

c. Resolution No. CC-2013-24: A resolution authorizing execution of a certain project agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to modify and reconstruct the intersection of SH-51 and Country Club Road within the city limits of Stillwater, Okla.

Council approved 4-0.

Ordinances
First Reading
a. Ordinance No. 3249: An ordinance rezoning a tract of land located at 512 S. West St. and 509 S. Knoblock St. from RTM, Residential Two-Family and Multi-Family District, to CG, Commercial General District.

Council approved 4-0.

b. Ordinance No. 3250: An ordinance authorizing the long-term lease of a certain parcel of property located at 999 W. 12th Ave.; providing for citizen initiated referendum of said lease in accordance with section 4-2 of the City charter.

Council approved 4-0.

Second Reading
a. Ordinance No. 3245: An ordinance amending the Stillwater City Code by amending Chapter 23, Land Development Code; Article XVII, Required Improvements; Division 3, Improvements; Section 23-358, Sanitary Sewer Collection System.

Council approved 4-0.

b. Ordinance No. 3246: An ordinance amending the Stillwater City Code by amending Chapter 23, Land Development Code; Article XIV, Commercial Use By Right; Section 23-282, Contents of Application, Site; by amending Article XVI, Subdivision preparation and requirements; Division 2, Major Subdivisions; Section 23-325, Preliminary Plat; and by amending Article XIX, Stormwater Management Regulations for Land Development Projects, Section 23-386, Drainage Studies and Drainage Plans.

Council approved 4-0.

Reports from Officers and Boards

City Attorney John Dorman -  
i) Request for an Executive Session pursuant to 25 O.S. 307 (B)(4) for the purpose of confidential communication with the City Attorney regarding pending litigation, Kerns vs. City of Stillwater, Case No. CJ-2013-128, District Court of Payne County. It is the opinion of the City Attorney that public disclosure of this matter will seriously impair the ability of the City Council to prosecute/defend this pending litigation or proceeding in the public interest.

ii) Request for an Executive Session pursuant to 25 O.S. 307 (B)(4) for the purpose of confidential communication with the City Attorney regarding pending litigation, Smith vs. City of Stillwater, et al; Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals Case Number SD-111971; Case No. CJ-2010-65, District Court of Payne County. It is the opinion of the City Attorney that public disclosure of this matter will seriously impair the ability of the City Council to prosecute/defend this pending litigation or proceeding in the public interest.


Mayor John Bartley - Reminded viewers he would be on KSPI Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 8:15 a.m. on 780 AM, on Triple Play Radio Wednesday, Dec. 18 and on TV-31 Friday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 a.m.

City Council is recessed; SUA is called to order.

Consent Docket
a. Approval of minutes: Regular Meeting, Dec. 2, 2013
b. Amendment to professional services agreement with Guernsey for the Ground Storage Tanks Improvement Project (SUA-13-41).
c. Project agreement for payment of $479,216 to Oklahoma Department of Transportation for the relocation of the existing water line according to the Country Club project agreement (SUA-13-42).

Trustees approved 4-0.

General Orders
a. Policy direction on the preferred implementation scheduling/funding alternative for Water 2040 (SUA-13-43).

Stillwater Utilities Authority Director Dan Blankenship presented the overview of utility project financing options for the Water 2040 project. Water 2040, also known as the Southwest Water Project, is a project designed to ensure the City will be able to offer water adequately through its system to current and future residents through the year 2040. It includes the installation of several new water mains and facilities.

Blankenship showed an overview of what installations and updates to the system can be expected once the project is completed. He said the estimated cost from the SUA's consultant is $65 million at this time. The funding for the project is through the water capital fund which was created in June 2009. All retail water rate increases since its inception are the revenue base for this fund, totaling about $8 million in annual revenue. A part of the cash balance of $13 million has been set aside for the Country Club waterline relocation, South Perkins Road pump station and the Western Road waterline, leaving about $10.3 million left to work with in the fund.

Blankenship presented two time lines regarding completion of the Water 2040 project. The first timeline was from the Southwest Pressure Zone Study, completed in the spring of 2012, which recommended a three phase approach that would see all projects completed by 2035. He reminded the Trustees that they had expressed a desire in the fall of 2012 to compress the schedule and complete all the projects at the same time. He confirmed that there were professional services contracts approved with a second, shortened timeline in mind and that the SUA has been on that track for almost a year. Assuming funding is in place by July 2014, it is estimated all three phases would be completed by the end of 2016.

Since the Trustees expressed interest in using the compressed schedule, Blankenship presented financing alternatives to financing Water 2040. The trust indenture is written with a debt limitation which lies below the cost of funding the project. In order to stay the course and complete all the projects at the same time, Blankenship identified two alternatives.

Alternative 1: Debt issuance for the entire project approved by vote.

The trust indenture has a provision that enables debt to be issued beyond the debt limitation if approved by a majority of the voters of the beneficiary. An issue that would need to be addressed before this potential election is the large number of customers who use this system but do not live in City limits and therefore cannot participate in the vote.

Alternative 1a: Debt issuance for the entire project approved by Trustees. This alternative would require an amendment to the trust indenture. 

Should the Trustees be interested in this measure, City staff would then present options on the amendment to the Trustees.

Blankenship then questioned the Trustees if staying on the same course was still what they wanted to do.

Trustee Joe Weaver said he wished they could partake more in the discussion when Vice Mayor Hopkins is in attendance due to his familiarity with the project. He then said that he thought the decision to compress the schedule was made because they were under the impression the Trustees could chart the course that way. He said he was not as sure with the idea of completing the project "all or none" and suggested looking into how the City might phase the project instead.

Trustee Bartley agreed with Weaver's opinion on the situation. Bartley then asked if the rates would be based on the rates remaining on the same schedule the City has been operating on, regardless of what alternative the Trustees choose. 

Blankenship said there is no change in the rates but that there is an impact on how the SUA would continue to replace the system. The cost of service study assumed all of the water distribution system would be replaced on a 50 year interval and the rates were based on this assumption. It also assumed replacements would be done in kind. The Water 2040 project has a "very high proportion of enhancements," meaning they are adding capacity to the system which was not calculated in the estimation of the rates. Because of this increased capacity, it would not impact the rate in the time frame they have to replace the entire system.

Bartley rephrased his question, asking if the borrowing of money for the options of Alternative 1 and Alternative 1a would necessitate the increase of the current rates.

Blankenship confirmed that the increase of the current rates would not be necessary should either of the alternatives be taken.

Weaver asked if Alternatives 1 and 1a would push out the regular replacement of the infrastructure.

Blankenship said that by keeping the rates they way they are, the SUA would have a certain amount of money to replace all of the water distribution system within a 50 year period. It did not include capacity enhancements, therefore it would add another $50 million to make those enhancements and would push replacements to the end of that 50 year period. Blankenship also said the 50 years was not a set number they have to follow and that a lot can happen in that time frame such as technological advancements which could pose changes to the water system.

City Manager Galloway noted that the 50 year mark was theoretical. He said he thinks its important for the Trustees to recognize the difference between enhancements and replacement when making their decision. Galloway said the enhancements in Water 2040 are not made by choice but due to deficiencies in the system and there should be a conscience effort in the future to fund water enhancement projects through another mechanism than the water capital fund.

Bartley asked if it was fair to assume that the SUA would need to speed up the amount of money borrowed to speed up construction to complete Water 2040.

Blankenship confirmed Bartley's assumption. 

Bartley then asked for affirmation that the debt service would still be covered by the existing rate structure even with the accelerated borrowing.

Blankenship again agreed and then covered the affordability of the project. He said the SUA is in a position where the Water 2040 project is affordable due to their handling of the rate structure and the handling of revenues within the water capital fund without adding additional rates. 

Bartley asked if adding special assessments or bonds without going to the voters would also be unnecessary.

Blankenship said no special assessments would be necessary.

Bartley then asked if other revenue sources would be created or needed to pay back the debt.

Blankenship said they would not and that they have had the revenue strength in place since 2009.

Galloway asked for confirmation that only a portion of the annual revenue of $8 million would be used for payment should the project be financed and the remaining amount would be used for replacement projects.

Blankenship confirmed Galloway's question and a majority of the revenue would be left to continue replacing current waterlines including improvements to the Kaw pipeline. 

Trustee Gina Noble reaffirmed that funding would still be left over for replacement should issues arise and they would be enhancing the system through the project, doing more than initially expected.

Blankenship agreed with Noble's assessment.

Weaver asked for a review on the progress of the Kaw pipeline report since it was noted in earlier discussion.

Blankenship said they had terminated the contract due to significant concern of the investigative device becoming stuck in the pipeline and no further testing has been completed. He said they have initiated a few projects including making improvements at the pump station and air-vacuum release valves which are under way. The next step would be to locate high-risk areas to begin a parallel line in the event of a break where the line would need to be bypassed. 

Bartley reaffirmed that the parts of the Kaw project were originally estimated through the cost of service study.

Blankenship confirmed Bartley's statement.

Blankenship then proposed additional alternatives to the financing of the project.

Alternative 2: Pay as you go with 100 percent of water capital fund allocated to Water 2040.

The SUA would not be financing any of the improvements nor issuing debt. Instead, it would write pay out of the SUA checkbook. Blankenship said the downside to this alternative would be that they would be "putting all [their] eggs in one basket" by putting all its money toward funding the project. Financing for this alternative is estimated to be completed by 2024.

Alternative 2a: Pay as you go with 100 percent of water capital fund allocated to Water 2040 and all currently identified projects.

The SUA would take the same cash approach as in Alternative 2, but it would also fund other projects identified including the Kaw waterline improvements along with Water 2040. Blankenship said the downside would be that this would take longer than Alternative 2 and that the SUA has projects that come up on a routine basis which wouldn't be able to be picked up in the time frame of this alternative. Financing for this alternative is estimated to be completed by 2027.

Alternative 3: Issue debt every year utilizing 100 percent of SUA capacity.

Blankenship said the SUA could issue up to $7 million a year in debt and it could use that annual amount to complete the Water 2040 project. The downside to this option is that if the SUA uses up all of the debt capacity for Water 2040, then it will not have the ability to issue any other debt for any other water, waste water, electric or waste management projects. Financing for this alternative is estimated to be completed by 2025.

Blankenship reminded the Trustees that the financing for originally planned Alternatives 1 or 1a is estimated to be completed by 2016.

Galloway asked if the projected timelines for financing allowed for increased costs over time.

Blankenship said the timelines did not include revenue increases nor any increase in cost or inflation.

Galloway questioned whether the cost of inflation would cause the financing timelines for Alternatives 2, 2a and 3 to potentially extend further.

Blankenship said if inflation outpaces the increase in revenues than the numbers on the timeline would be pushed out based on today's costs without any type of escalation.

Noble asked if these were all of the possible alternatives.

Blankenship said these were all of the alternatives he was able to identify.

Galloway also noted that these were the alternatives that would not charge additional fees to the customers. Blankenship concurred.

Blankenship said if the Trustees chose to "stay the course" with the initial plan for Water 2040 and do not issue any debt, the project would drain the water capital fund by July 2014. This would be due to land acquisition for the project which is dependent upon the phasing of the project which in turn is dependent on the financing of the project. Blankenship said the project is essentially on hold until a decision is made about its financing. 

Trustee Cody Scott said he felt the later three options were not the direction the people would have the Trustees take nor are they taking a safer route. He also expressed concern in letting customers have a voice in the decision to issue such a large amount of debt and was concerned with the number of customers who are not City citizens and therefore ineligible to vote in a potential election.

Galloway reminded the Trustees that the presentation was not meant to immediately drill down on an option but rather to decide if they want to find a way to stay on the compressed course or do they feel more comfortable stretching out the financial timeline. Staff can then provide the best information to the Trustees later based on which schedule they prefer.




Noble questioned if they could remain on the original course with a vote of the people.
Blankenship said they could assuming the people approve the vote or there is not a legal issue.


Weaver again noted that he would feel more comfortable with Trustee Hopkins present to be a part of the discussion and decision.


The Trustees then discussed the possibility of readdressing the discussion at another Council meeting, study session or special meeting in January.

Bartley said he considered Alternatives 2, 2a and 3 "short-sided" because they do not consider the possibility of future issues arising.



Bartley also said he would like to have Trustee Hopkins available for deeper discussions but he felt he and the other Trustees would like further information regarding Alternatives 1 and 1a. Trustee Scott concurred. 


Bartley suggested having a study session after the Council meeting on Jan. 6, 2014, to further discuss the alternatives.
 
SUA is adjourned; Stillwater Economic Development Authority is called to order.

Consent Docket
a. Special Meeting minutes: Nov. 18, 2013

Trustees approved 4-0.

General Orders
a. Authorize City Manager to sign branding contract between City of Stillwater and Chandler Thinks and approval of associated budget amendments.

Trustees approved 4-0.

SEDA is adjourned; City Council is reconvened.

Executive Session
a. Confidential communication regarding pending litigation, Kerns vs. City of Stillwater, Case No. CJ-2013-128, District Court of Payne County.

b. Confidential communication regarding pending litigation, Smith vs. City of Stillwater, et al; Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals Case Number SD-111971; Case No. CJ-2010-65; District Court of Payne County.

Council approved Executive Session 3-1 with Councilor Weaver voting 'No.'

Return From Executive Session

No action was taken.
 
City Council is adjourned. 

END


Recap by Meagan Kascsak, Marketing and Public Relations.


*****

Next City Council meeting is Jan. 6, 2014, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This meeting will be televised.  Click here for agendas


Watch the City Council Meetings:  Videos of Stillwater City Council meetings are made available on the City of Stillwater's YouTube.com channel within five days of the meeting. You can watch the meetings live on City of Stillwater Television (Suddenlink channel 23 and AT&T U-verse channel 99).

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Meeting Recap: Dec. 2, 2013

Note: Items of discussion in this recap includes a link indexed to that portion of the City Council meeting replay. Click on bold headers that are linked to view that portion of the video.

(STILLWATER, OKLA. / Posted Dec. 3, 2013) - The Stillwater City Council met for its regular meeting Monday, Dec. 2, 2013. (View the meeting agenda here)


Pledge of Allegiance
a. Presented by Sangre Ridge Elementary student Sarah Tieman

Photos

Consent Docket
a. Approval of minutes: Regular meeting on Nov. 18, 2013
b. 2014 schedule of regular meeting
c. Amendment to site ground lease between the City of Stillwater and Global Tower Partners.

Council approved Consent Docket 5-0.

Public Hearings
a. Receive public comment regarding a proposed telecommunications tower in excess of 75 feet in height and within 200 feet of a residential district in the CG (Commercial General) district on property addressed as 5108 N. Washington Street (CC-13-104).
Planning Commission unanimously recommends (6-0) that the City Council approves this item.

Council approves 5-0.

b. Receive public comment regarding a request for a Map Amendment from RTM (Residential Two-Family and Multi-Family) to CG (Commercial General) for property addressed as 512 S. West and 509 S. Knoblock (CC-13-103)


Planning Commission unanimously recommends (7-0) that the City Council approves this item.

Council approves 5-0.

Ordinances
First Reading
a. Ordinance No. 3245: An ordinance amending the Stillwater City Code by amending Chapter 23, Land Development Code; Article XVII, Required Improvements; Division 3, Improvements; Section 23-358, Sanitary Sewer Collection System.

Council approves 5-0. 

b. Ordinance No. 3246: An ordinance amending the Stillwater City Code by amending Chapter 23, Land Development Code; Article XIV, Commercial Use By Right; Section 23-282, Contents of Application, Site; by amending Article XVI, Subdivision preparation and requirements; Division 2, Major Subdivisions; Section 23-325, Preliminary Plat; and by amending Article XIX, Stormwater Management Regulations for Land Development Projects, Section 23-386, Drainage Studies and Drainage Plans.

Council approves 5-0.

Reports from Officers and Boards

City Manager Dan Galloway -  reminds citizens to shop local in Stillwater and support the community.

Councilor Cody Scott - takes the opporunity to apologize for missing recent City Council meetings because of deaths in the family.


Mayor John Bartley - Reminds that Vice Mayor Chuck Hopkins will be on KSPI 780 AM  at 8:15 a.m. and he will be on Triple Play Sports radio on Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. 

Appointments
a. Oklahoma Technology & Research Park Joint Board
Mayor Bartley would like to nominate John McClenny to board. 

Council approves 5-0.

City Council is adjourned; SUA is called to order.

Consent Docket
a. Approval of minutes
b. 2014 schedule of regular meetings

Resolutions
a. Resolution No. SUA-2013-6: A resolution amending the City of Stillwater Convenience Collection Center rate structure  

CCC coordinator Ian Groshong introduced to the trustees an amendment to the CCC rate structure on including the disposal of latex paint.

Trustees approve the amendment 5-0.
 
SUA is adjourned
END


Recap by Blake Schaich, Marketing and Public Relations.


*****

Next City Council meeting is Dec. 16, 2013, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This meeting will be televised.  Click here for agendas


Watch the City Council Meetings:  Videos of Stillwater City Council meetings are made available on the City of Stillwater's YouTube.com channel within five days of the meeting. You can watch the meetings live on City of Stillwater Television (Suddenlink channel 23 and AT&T U-verse channel 99).

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Meeting Recap: November 18, 2013

Note: Items of discussion in this recap includes a link indexed to that portion of the City Council meeting replay. Click on bold headers that are linked to view that portion of the video.

(STILLWATER, OKLA. / Posted Nov. 20, 2013) - The Stillwater City Council met for its regular meeting Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. (View the meeting agenda here)

NOTE: Councilors Gina Noble and Cody Scott were not present at the meeting.

Pledge of Allegiance
a. Presented by Stillwater Middle School student Caroline Henry.

Proclamations & Presentations
a. NOC/OSU Gateway Program Day-November 18, 2013 

View photos

Consent Docket
a. Approval of minutes: Regular meeting, Nov. 4, 2013.
b. 2014 schedule of regular meetings.
c. General utility easements and utility and drainage easement from West Oak Properties, LLC for property located at 615 S. Country Club Road (CC-13-100).
d. Warranty deed and water line easement for property addressed as 3314 S. Perkins Road.
e. Authorize city manager to execute release of lien for property described as Lot 29, Lot 25, Lot 23 and Lot 19 in the Hunter's Ridge Addition.

Councilor Joe Weaver asked to remove item 'B' from the Consent Docket for additional information. 

Council approved Consent Docket excluding item 'B' 3-0.

Items Removed From Consent Docket
Councilor Weaver requested Consent Docket item 'B' be moved to the Dec. 2 Council meeting to give the item adequate review and to compare it with his other schedules.

Council moved to table Consent Docket item 'B' to the Dec. 2 meeting 3-0.
a. Receive public comments regarding a proposed text amendment to the Chapter 23, Land Development Code to amend Article VIII, Parking and Loading Standards (Continued from November 4, 2013) (CC-13-99)

City Manager Dan Galloway noted that Public Hearing item 'A' and General Orders items 'B' and 'C' are components in implementing the parking study plan. Galloway requested the Council table the listed items subject to call and suggested a public session for a presentation  to the Council on the entire parking study.

City Attorney John Dorman said the Council could table the item(s) subject to call by issuing new notice on the Public Hearings item.

Councilor Weaver said he would like to hear a comprehensive review of the whole plan and he hopes the presentation on the plan will be shown soon. 

Council moved to table Public Hearings item 'A' subject to call 3-0.

General Orders
a. Financial reports (CC-13-101)

City Chief Financial Officer Marcy Lamb presented the first quarter financial results for the current fiscal year to the Council.

b. Consider amendment to Chapter 29 Motor Vehicles and Traffic to clarify that parking in a bicycle lane, on a sidewalk or in any other designated travel area is prohibited and to identify the areas where transit buses and taxicabs may load/unload and exemption of City service vehicles from parking/loading/unloading requirements (CC-13-98)

City Manager Galloway requested again that Council remove General Orders item 'B' from the agenda and that the item will be placed back on an agenda at a later meeting in relation with Public Hearings item 'A.'

c. Consider amendment to Chapter 29 Motor Vehicles and Traffic to increase the fines for parking violations within the City of Stillwater (CC-13-102)

City Manager Galloway requested again that Council remove General Orders item 'C' from the agenda and that the item will be placed back on an agenda at a later meeting in relation with Public Hearings item 'A.'

d. Authorize City Attorney to prepare a fifty-year land lease for 3.87 acres located at 999 W. Twelfth Ave. to the Stillwater Medical Center to be used for hospital related purposes and authorize the mayor to sign and execute the lease.

City Manager Galloway said the City has been approached by Stillwater Medical Center about the use of the land which is located south of property the hospital acquired on Twelfth Avenue. Galloway said the land would be used to help the hospital build a warm water therapy pool facility. The lease is not a monetary arrangement. Galloway recommended the Council authorize the City Attorney to prepare a lease for the City's property for hospital use for the next fifty years. Galloway said he thinks it is a good use of the property and that the City has no planned use for the land. 

Council approved General Orders item 'D' 3-0.

Ordinances
First Reading
None

Second Reading
a. Ordinance No. 3243: On ordinance rezoning a tract of land located at 1400 North Boomer Road from CG, Commercial General District, and RTM, Residential Two-Family and Multi-Family District, to RMI-PUD, Residential Multi-Family Intermediate Planned Unit Development.

Council approved 3-0.

Reports from Officers and Boards

Mayor John Bartley - Welcomed representatives from Stillwater Leadership Class XXII. The mayor also wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

Upcoming Meetings - Mayor Bartley requested speed on preparing the presentation for the parking study plan.

City Council is adjourned; SUA is called to order.

Consent Docket
a. Approval of minutes: Regular Meeting, Nov. 4, 2013.
b. 2014 schedule of regular meetings.
c. Water purchase agreement with 3314 S. Perkins Road LLC, referred to as the South Gate Mobile Home Park (SUA-13-40).

Trustee Weaver requested approval of Consent Docket excluding item 'B.'

Trustees approved Consent Docket excluding item 'B' 3-0.
  
SUA is adjourned; SEDA is called to order.

Consent Docket 
a. 2014 Schedule of Meetings
b. Regular Meeting Minutes: Sept. 16, 2013

Councilor Weaver requested approval of Consent Docket excluding item 'A.'

Council approved Consent Docket item 'B' 3-0.

General Orders
a. 2013-14 Economic Development contract renewal between the Stillwater Economic Development Authority and Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.

City Manager Galloway said that since July 1, the Chamber of Commerce has been required to provide the same services outlined in the 2012-13 contract. Galloway said he worked with Chamber CEO Lisa Navrkal on the new contract and they decided to leave it as is for the remainder of the year. Galloway recommended the Council approve the renewal the contract for 2013-14.

Councilor Weaver expressed his appreciation to Navrkal and the Chamber for the great work they have done for Stillwater.

Council approved City Manager's recommendation 3-0.

SEDA is adjourned. 

END


Recap by Meagan Kascsak, Marketing and Public Relations.


*****

Next City Council meeting is Dec. 2, 2013, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This meeting will be televised.  Click here for agendas


Watch the City Council Meetings:  Videos of Stillwater City Council meetings are made available on the City of Stillwater's YouTube.com channel within five days of the meeting. You can watch the meetings live on City of Stillwater Television (Suddenlink channel 23 and AT&T U-verse channel 99).

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Meeting Recap: November 4, 2013

Note: Items of discussion in this recap includes a link indexed to that portion of the City Council meeting replay. Click on bold headers that are linked to view that portion of the video.

(STILLWATER, OKLA. / Posted Nov. 7, 2013) - The Stillwater City Council met for its regular meeting Monday, Nov. 4, 2013. (View the meeting agenda here

NOTE: Councilor Cody Scott was not present at the meeting.

Pledge of Allegiance
a. Presented by Stillwater Middle School student Reece Glasson.

View photos

Consent Docket
a. Approval of minutes: Regular meeting, Oct. 21, 2013
b. Lease purchase agreements for water and sanitary sewer line improvements constructed to serve the 1500 Block of South Ransom Drive (CC-13-99)
c. Right-of-way agreement to place balconies, roofs and support structures in the east side of the right-of-way at 709 and 711 S. Main St. (CC-13-98)
d. Bid recommendation for the Pavement Management Project 14TR01-C Mill and Overlay of City Streets (CC-13-100)

Vice Mayor Chuck Hopkins asked to remove item 'C' from the Consent Docket for additional information. 

Council approved Consent Docket excluding item 'C' 4-0.

Items Removed From Consent Docket
Development Services Director Paula Dennison explained the reasoning of Consent Docket item 'C' in depth to the Council. Dennison said anytime there is private use of a public way, it comes to the City Council for approval. Dennison said this particular request is for the overhanging of New Orleans-styled balconies that will be supported by posts from the installed on the sidewalk. 

Council approved Consent Docket item 'C' 4-0.

a. Receive public comments regarding a proposed text amendment to the Chapter 23, Land Development Code to amend Article VIII, Parking and Loading Standards (See memo to postpone)

Dennison requested the public hearing for the item be postponed for the next City Council meeting on Nov. 18, 2013.

Council moved to postpone Public Hearing 'A' to Nov. 18 4-0.

b. Receive public comments regarding a proposed text amendment to Chapter 23, Land Development Code to Commercial Use by Right Contents of Application-Site Plan; Preliminary Plat Requirements; and Drainage Studies and Plans Requirements (CC-13--96)

Dennison said Public Hearings items 'B' and 'C' were requested by the development community and that staff has evaluated and review the request. Dennison said when the Land Development Code was adopted in 2008, there was a requirement for the designer to look outside of the property within a certain distance to see what systems the development proposal will be connecting to when developing an individual piece of property. This requirement was found in the Commercial Use by Rights, Preliminary Plat and Drainage Studies and Plans sections. The request was to reduce the distance of the requirement. 

Planning Commission recommended the Council approve the proposed text amendment as presented 6-0. 

Council approved Planning Commission recommendation 4-0.

c. Receive public comments regarding a proposed text amendment to the Land Development Code, Chapter 23, Section 23-358, Sanitary Sewer Collection System (CC-13-97)

Dennison said the amendment proposes allowing another alternative to sewage disposal within the City of Stillwater. At present, the City sanitary sewer is the requirement and septic tanks are permitted under certain conditions such as inability to connect to the sanitary sewer. The proposed text amendment allows the utilization of closed package systems on individual lots which will encourage redevelopment. Subdivisions of land will still be required to connect to the sanitary sewer if the connection point is withing 300 feet and if it can gravity from the subdivision to the existing main. Dennison noted the minimum lot size for closed package systems with public water is 22,000 square feet (one-half of an acre) and without public water is 32,000 square feet (three-fourths of an acre). Dennison said the proposal increases the minimum lot size for septic tanks to five acres. 

Mayor John Bartley asked for clarification on the term "package system." Dennison said it is similar to a septic system. The discharge of water will be through drip irrigation or spray mechanism which sprays the water after it has been treated in the underground closed package system.

Planning Commission recommended the Council approve the proposed text amendment as presented 6-0.

Council approved Planning Commission recommendation 4-0.

Resolutions
a. Resolution CC-2013-19: A resolution approving the assignment and transfer of the franchise previously granted to Oklahoma Natural Gas Company and the distribution system installed, operated and maintained thereunder.

City Manager Dan Galloway said the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company (ONG) was a division of ONEOK when the franchise was granted. All of the operations conducted under ONG will now be conducted as One Gas Inc. ONG has asked that this franchise be assigned to One Gas Inc. Galloway said nothing will change in the service and is only a change in company ownership and requested approval of the resolution. 

Council approved 4-0.


b. Resolution CC-2013-20: A resolution correcting a scrivener's error in Resolution No. CC-2013-15 authorizing the calling and holding of an election in the City of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

City Attorney John Dorman said the error was a typo in the resolution. The original resolution read "southeast" when referring to the purposes when it was meant to read "southwest." Dorman said the error was corrected in the notices and has no affect on the election whatsoever. 

Council approved 4-0.

c. Resolution CC-2013-21: A resolution confirming acceptance of small community air service development program grant, docket number DOT-SOT-2013-0120, from the United States Department of Transportation and authorizing the mayor or vice mayor of the City of Stillwater, Oklahoma, to sign all certifications and other necessary documents relating to said grant.

City Manager Galloway said the grant will be held for up to two years. Should the City come into an agreement for commercial air traffic, the grant can be applied to the cost for modifications and preparations to the airport for that service. Galloway recommended the Council accept the federal grant.

Council approved 4-0.

Ordinances
First Reading
a. Ordinance No. 3243: On ordinance rezoning a tract of land located at 1400 North Boomer Road from CG, Commercial General District, and RTM, Residential Two-Family and Multi-Family District, to RMI-PUD, Residential Multi-Family Intermediate Planned Unit Development.

Council approved 4-0.

Second Reading
a. Ordinance No. 3241: An ordinance rezoning a tract of land located at 424 E. Thomas Ave. from IL, Light Industrial District, to CG, Commercial General District.

Council approved 4-0.

b. Ordinance No. 3242: An ordinance closing a 40-foot portion of the right-of-way of Boomer Road at property addressed as 1400 N. Boomer Road.

Council approved 4-0.

Reports from Officers and Boards

City Manager Galloway - Said he appreciated City Attorney Dorman's correction in the proposition resolution and reassured anyone who may have been confused that there is nothing in the proposed bond issue that would construct anything on the east side of Boomer Lake.

Mayor John Bartley - Reminded viewers that Vice Mayor Hopkins would be on KSPI 780 AM at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, and Councilor Joe Weaver would be on the station Tuesday, Nov. 12. Mayor Bartley noted he would be on Triple Play Radio Wednesday, Nov. 6.

City Council is adjourned; SUA is called to order.

Consent Docket
a. Approval of minutes: Regular Meeting, Oct. 21, 2013
b. Lease purchase agreements for water and sanitary sewer line improvements constructed to serve the 1500 Block of South Ransom Drive (SUA-13-38)
c. Professional services agreement with Myers Engineering for construction inspection for the West College Sewer Replacement Project (SUA-13-39)

Trustees approved Consent Docket 4-0.

Request for Executive Session
a. Request for an Executive Session pursuant to 25 O.S. 307 (B)(3) for the purpose of confidential communication regarding the purchase or appraisal of real property.

Trustees approved request 4-0. 

Executive Session
a. Confidential communication regarding the purchase or appraisal of real property.

Return from Executive Session
a. Possible action regarding the purchase or appraisal of real property.

No action was taken.
  
SUA adjourned. 

END


Recap by Meagan Kascsak, Marketing and Public Relations.


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Next City Council meeting is Nov. 18, 2013, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This meeting will be televised.  Click here for agendas


Watch the City Council Meetings:  Videos of Stillwater City Council meetings are made available on the City of Stillwater's YouTube.com channel within five days of the meeting. You can watch the meetings live on City of Stillwater Television (Suddenlink channel 23 and AT&T U-verse channel 99).